It’s not often you get the opportunity to add to your collection with pieces that have a genuine family connection, in fact it’s a first for me. As far as I’m aware, no one in my family has any particular affinity with home furnishings from the 30s and some even consider my fascination somewhat eccentric (dunno what they’re on about!). It therefor came as a huge surprise the receive an email from my uncle keen to hand down some pieces my grandparents had acquired new when they married in the 1930s. I have fond memories of holidays spent as child staying with them in Devon. A huge garden to run around in and homemade shortbread and lemonade were always in abundance. Sadly they both died in 1990s and after 15 years in family custodianship, their old bungalow is up for sale and in need of emptying.

My Gran – Winnie Haines nee Chick, circa 1920s

So we’ve just come back from a weekend near Sidmouth sifting for gold. The car was loaded with the usual toddler paraphernalia, so no room to bring back the gorgeous extending ‘magi-cube’ dining table and matching chairs this time. But we’ll head back with a van before completion. In the mean time I’m the proud new owner of lovely oak mounted frame-less mirror and a Grindley Cream Petal teapot. Now I’m going to spend some quality time hunting through my mums old photo albums looking for snaps in which they feature.

Grindley Cream Petal teapot

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About Art Deco Magpie

Seasoned Art Deco collector and blogger Philip Butler, aka Art Deco Magpie, has spent many years transforming the interior of his family home into a 1930’s time warp. Furniture, wall coverings, fixtures, fittings and carpets, nothing has been neglected from his quest to obtain near film set perfection.
Combining a love of photography and passion for 20th century history, Philip is now working on his debut book; “Streamline Worcestershire – A Journey Through the Inter-War Modernist Architecture in the County“.
Philip lives in Great Malvern with his wife and two young daughters. When not immersing himself in all things Art Deco, he can be found tinkering with classic cars, working in the alcoholic drinks trade, practicing writing in the third person, and trying to be a good dad!

Streamline Worcestershire

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